FORTALEZA, Brazil — Buoyed by its record-breaking 10-0 rout of Tahiti at the Confederations Cup, Spain approaches Sunday's final Group B fixture against Nigeria needing just a point to secure a place in the semifinals. Thursday's thrashing of the Pacific islanders made Spain the first team to win a game by a 10-goal margin at the finals of a FIFA tournament, and only the second to score 10 after Hungary's 10-1 thrashing of El Salvador at the 1982 World Cup. Fernando Torres scored four goals, and David Villa three, but perhaps the most pleasing aspect for coach Vicente del Bosque was the fact he was able to rest almost his entire first-choice starting XI. Of the team that began the opening 2-1 win over Uruguay, only center-back Sergio Ramos kept his place, and the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas could all return against Nigeria. Del Bosque's shrewd squad management was a key feature of Spain's successes at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, and midfielder David Silva says rotation is something the players fully accept. “We're always ready to step up when we get the chance,” said the Manchester City midfielder, who scored twice in the Tahiti romp. Spain's strong start to the tournament means it goes into Sunday's match at Fortaleza's Estadio Castelao within touching distance of the last four. Although it requires a point to make sure of a semifinal place, it would need to lose to Nigeria by at least four goals to stand any chance of being overhauled. The situation is rather more taxing for Stephen Keshi's Nigeria, which was beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in Salvador Thursday and enters Sunday's game level on points with the South American champion. If Uruguay, as expected, records a handsome win over Tahiti, Nigeria will only be able to reach the last four with a victory over the world and European champions, but coach Keshi says he has not given up hope. “Everything is achievable,” he said. “It depends how much desire you have in you, how much you want it, and how much luck you've got on your side. I can't question the boys' commitment or loyalty.” Keshi's plans for the game have been complicated by an injury to AC Milan forward Nnamdi Oduamadi, scorer of a hat trick in the 6-1 win over Tahiti, who had to come off against Uruguay with an apparent ankle injury. Del Bosque is expected to recall his leading lights, but Torres and Villa will each hope they have done enough to be selected ahead of Valencia striker Roberto Soldado. The two sides have met before just once, in a group game at the 1998 World Cup in France, when Nigeria, then Olympic champions, claimed a 3-2 win that sowed the seeds of the Spaniards' group-phase elimination. Tahiti, meanwhile, will bow out Sunday after facing Uruguay to end what was a romantic adventure even if it slid to a record loss to Spain along the way. — Agencies
